What do you think are the most important steps you took to get where you are now?
Networking was undoubtedly key to my success.
Do you have any tips for those starting out and trying to build a network?
I would start with your inner circle of professional peers and then little by little increase this circle. For instance, if you want to go to a professional happy-hour or a professional event organized by your university, bring a friend. I find it is easier to connect when accompanied than when alone; others may think the opposite. You need to find your style. Bottom line: go to these events! Also, if you have a mentor, ask if you can tag along to events they go to, there is nothing more powerful than being introduced by your mentor or your supervisor. I also found that just talking to random people when you go to the gym or at your hairdresser can sometimes pay off! Finally, people love to talk about anything and everything but work—even at conferences—so never pass on a drink after the last session and have fun.
Is your current job what you always wanted to do?
Previously in my career I was a bench scientist. I realized very early that doing research on infectious disease without a way to make my contribution truly influential was increasingly frustrating. Public health was a vehicle for broader conversations especially in the field of public health policy. Once I discovered this world, I reached a point of no return!
How did you meet the people you did that made your transition to policy possible? Did you seek them out because of your frustrations? Did someone come up to you after a presentation and say, "you seem awesome and trustworthy, you should come work with us and develop public health policies"?
I wish!
I questioned my ability to thrive in an academic environment and started to look around for options. My first aha moment was at the NIH career symposium when I was a postdoc. I remember feeling invigorated and overwhelmed at the same time but I could finally see the range of options offered to scientists. Once I knew these options, I felt I was able to speak a new language. It then became easier to assemble my professional wish list and discuss career options with others. I was introduced to the National Academies through a friend who worked there. She introduced me to Board directors when I visited her, which undoubtedly made a world of difference when a position was posted.
What advice do you have for aspiring scientists, particularly women in science?
Find a mentor in your field who believes in you and wants the best for you and your career whatever path you decide to follow. We all need a role model. We also all need to feel that we belong to a community; so find your village and get the support you need—surround yourself with people who are going or have gone through the same life or professional events as you.
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